ASU Gammage Hosts Military Family First Nights at WICKED

ASU Gammage held a Military Family First Night on Wednesday, February 15 for WICKED where more than 100 family members of deployed military personnel received tickets to attend. More than 300 families this season from the Arizona National Guard Family Readiness Program attended the show and had the chance to enjoy an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the cast.

"ASU Gammage is honored to continue this program and to be able to open our doors to military families. These families sacrifice so much for their country; it is our privilege to let them enjoy an evening at the theater together," says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, ASU Gammage Executive Director.

"With more than 1,000 veterans and active-duty service members employed at US Airways, it is very important to us to recognize the sacrifices and accomplishments of our service members and families. We're proud to partner ASU Gammage to support the Military Family First Nights as a way to say thank you to our dedicated service men and women for their distinguished service to our country," says Kelly Balthazor, US Airways Community Relations Manager.

The program is made possible with the generosity of THE BROADWAY LEAGUE; long-time ASU Gammage donor and patron, Retired Command Sergeant Major Chuck Van Dam; US Airways; Blue Star Moms and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). This three year program is a partnership with ASU Gammage and THE BROADWAY LEAGUE’S Family First Nights^® program is specifically designed to encourage at risk families to attend theater on a regular basis.

ASU Gammage will also host families to MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET in June. For more information about Family First Nights, please call 480.965.5062.

Questions and Answers with Paul Slade Smith

ASU Gammage is preparing for the landing of the Broadway hit WICKED, which is set to open February 15. With music and lyrics by Stephan Schwatz (Godspell, Pippin, Academy Award winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and Winnie Holzman(“My So Called Life, “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), WICKED tells the story of the witches of OZ.

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Before WICKED comes to the Gammage stage, Paul Slade Smith spoke a little bit about his latest trip back to Tempe and ASU Gammage. Smith plays Doctor Dillamond in the production who is a talking goat professor at the Shiz University. Smith appeared in the San Francisco production fro nine months. He also appeared in The Phantom of the Opera National tour. During 15 years in Chicago, he was in The Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott Theater and First Folio. He is also the author of the plays Unnecessary Farce and A Real Lulu.

Have you ever played Tempe before?

PSS: Yes! I believe this is my third visit -- all with Wicked.

If yes, what do you enjoy about the Gammage?

PSS: It's a treat to perform in a building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. I lived for a while in Oak Park, Illinois, and visited his home and studio there.

What are you most excited to see/do in AZ?

PSS: I'm excited to experience Tempe in February! Last time, we were there in July! Everyone said, "oh, you really should visit us in February". I guess we took their advice.

WICKED will be appearing at ASU Gammage February 15 through March 11.